It's Time to be Real

We need to be seen as real.

There is no reason to have it all together all the time.

In marriage.

In motherhood.

With our kids.

In leadership.

Scripture gives us a clear contrast between hiding and humility.

Saul was anointed by God through Samuel to be the first king of Israel. He led armies. He had authority. He had position. But he was more concerned with what people thought than with what God said. He gave in to pressure. He cared about appearances.

In 1 Samuel 28, we see the weight of that choice. Saul hid the fact that God had rejected him because of his disobedience. He never truly repented out of love for God. He wept, but it was rooted in fear and the loss of power. He wanted restoration to position, not restoration of relationship.

Instead of bringing his sin into the light, he went out at night so no one would see. And in the end, it cost him everything. His family. His legacy. His relationship with Samuel. His peace.

Now remember David. David was anointed king while Saul was still reigning. David did not live perfectly either. He sinned. He gave in to temptation. At times he acted without seeking God.

But the difference between Saul and David was the posture of their hearts. David repented because he loved God. Not because he loved power. David was not called a man after God’s own heart because he never messed up. He was called that because when he did mess up, he ran back to God. His repentance was genuine. He wanted to be right with God more than he wanted to look right before people. David struggled with power at times, but he did not build his identity on public approval. He wrote psalms of lament and praise. He was raw. Honest. Completely vulnerable before the Lord.

So what is the worst that can happen when we are real?

We fear being seen as weak. But that very place, our brokenness, is where God builds His grace. We are all sinners. We all stumble. It is in vulnerability and humility that God brings beauty from ashes. Our testimony is often born in the places we once tried to hide. And someone else’s healing may be waiting on our honesty.

God honors when we are real.1 John 1:6–10 reminds us that walking in the light brings fellowship and cleansing.

Saul might have experienced help, love, and restoration if he had been honest. But hiding led to isolation. Isolation led to destruction. David welcomed counsel. He laid himself bare before God. 

God’s glory shines even brighter through our weakness.“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

God does not need us in order to be glorified. But He chooses to display His character through redeemed mistakes. He molds us through them. He does not abandon us. Even when we reject Him. Rebel against Him. Refuse to trust His Word.

Community is built in vulnerability.

• Matthew 18:20

• Galatians 6:2

• Hebrews 10:24–25

We are stronger together. But we can only be strong together if we allow ourselves to be known. It is so important to gather with believers who love us deeply, hold us accountable, and help us grow.

So what would happen if…

You were real in your prayers?

You brought your sins into the light?

You were honest about your motives?

You allowed others to truly know you?